Inmate hospitalized after jail assault

Humboldt County jail correctional officers responded to an assault within the jail Friday and found a 37-year-old inmate with numerous injuries to his face and head.

The victim was transported to St. Joseph Hospital where he received initial treatment for multiple fractures of the jaw, according to a Humboldt County Sheriff's Office press release. He was then flown to a hospital out of the area. The victim is expected to recover.

After a brief investigation, officers determined the inmate, who had been in custody for one day on violation of parole charge, was assaulted by inmate Christopher Lee Kasavich, 32, the press release said.

Kasavich came forward and identified himself as the person responsible. He told officers that he and the victim had previous issues prior to being booked, and he assaulted the victim because of a previous disagreement, the release said.

Kasavich was in custody for possession of stolen property and now for battery with serious bodily injury. His bail is set at $50,000 with the new charge.

The sheriff's office is asking anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity to call the sheriff's office at 445-7251 or the sheriff's office crime tip line at 268-2539.